One hostage released from prison guard tower

Arizona inmates

BUCKEYE, Ariz. - One of two correctional officers held hostage by two inmates for nearly a week climbed down from a prison guard tower to safety Saturday.

The guard, a man who was not immediately identified, was taken to a Phoenix hospital after his release. Department of Corrections spokeswoman Cam Hunter said she had no immediate details on his condition but said authorities were encouraged he was able to walk down the ladder on his own.

He was released after negotiators delivered an item demanded by the inmates, Hunter said. A second item was delivered as part of the exchange agreement after the hostage was let go.

She did not reveal what the inmates were given.

Negotiators were still working for the freedom of the other hostage, a woman who remained with the two inmates in the tower, which is believed to be stocked with weapons. Department of Corrections spokesman Alan Ecker said the officer was believed to be OK.

''The safe return of one corrections officer is very encouraging and we are making sure that this brave person is receiving the best of care,'' Gov. Janet Napolitano said in a statement. ''But this is not over. There is another officer being held, and this remains a delicate and dangerous situation.''

Fellow correctional officers were heartened by the release.

''The negotiators are doing a fine job. This is a good sign that they were able to come to some kind of agreement,'' said Joe Masella, president of the Arizona Correctional Peace Officers' Association.

The release of the correctional officer occurred after an inmate, wearing a guard's uniform jacket, lowered a bucket over the side of the three-story tower and then pulled it back up.

A ladder was placed against the side of the tower and a short time later, an officer could be seen putting on a backpack and climbing down the ladder as the inmate held the top of the ladder.

After the guard descended, the inmate shoved the ladder away from the side.

The inmates took the guards hostage early Jan. 18 in the tower at the Arizona State Prison Complex-Lewis, in Buckeye west of Phoenix.

At least one inmate overcame two guards and a worker in the kitchen during breakfast preparation that day before making his way with another inmate to the tower at the edge of a prison yard.

Authorities have not discussed the inmates' possible motive and have not released any details on their identities or previous crimes. They've also declined to say how the inmates got into the tower.

Until the crisis is resolved, the other 4,400 inmates at the medium- to high-security facility are in lockdown.